In a significant turn of events, activists in Venice are claiming a hard-fought victory as the extravagant wedding celebration planned by US tech billionaire Jeff Bezos has been relocated from the city center to the Arsenale. This notable shift comes amidst intense protests against the lavish event, which is set to celebrate the union of Bezos and TV presenter Lauren Sanchez. The original venue, Scuola Grande della Misericordia, was supposed to host the culmination of the three-day festivity scheduled for Saturday.
Activist groups have voiced their triumph over what they view as a successful campaign to push back against a lavish and environmentally damaging event in one of the world’s most treasured cities. Tommaso Cacciari, representing the protest organization ‘No Space for Bezos,’ expressed pride in their grassroots efforts, stating, “We managed to move one of the most powerful people in the world out of the city.”
The celebrations are expected to attract a high-profile guest list rumored to include personalities like Kim Kardashian, Mick Jagger, and members of the Trump family, who have a contentious relationship with many locals due to their support for policies perceived as harmful to Venice’s cultural heritage and environment. As the elite gather, Venice anticipates a deluge of private jets and luxury yachts, stoking further concern among residents about over-tourism and its impacts on the city’s resources.
“Our protest isn’t just about the wedding. It symbolizes a lifestyle that is unsustainable,” stated Greenpeace campaigner Simona Abbate, emphasizing the activists’ concerns regarding climate change and economic disparity. The local government, however, has defended the wedding, asserting that significant economic benefits will arise from hosting high-profile events like this one.
As tensions rise, the protesters continue to make their voices heard through various means, including signs across the city and a massive projection of Bezos’ image in public areas, calling for a reckoning on the wealth of the super-rich and their societal responsibilities. City councillor Simone Venturini criticized these protests as unrepresentative of the community’s views, reiterating that “no one gets to decide who gets married here,” underscoring the complexities surrounding wealth, celebrity, and the very essence of enjoying Venice.